City Manager Andrew O. Trivette directed city staff to telework, to the extent possible, for the next three weeks, starting Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2021.
This change is a return to the operational strategy the city put in place during the first few months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Understanding that some business needs to occur in person, staff will schedule in-person appointments as necessary.
At the Municipal Building, 401 Lafayette St., a virtual front desk has been set up in the entryway; it allows the public to speak with a receptionist who can connect them with the appropriate staff member. It should be noted that in-person, same-day service is not guaranteed for those without an appointment.
“This operational change will allow positive cases associated with holiday festivities to be identified and will limit potential exposure,” Trivette said. “We learned in the spring that our staff can provide just about all of our functions remotely. It is in the best interest of city staff and the community that we temporarily return to remote operations.”
The city will reassess its teleworking plan in three weeks to determine whether an extension is required.
Citizens are encouraged to use the city website or call 757-220-6100 to find the department to handle their specific requests. The city website also features Citibot, a chatbot that allows citizens to submit questions about city services, report issues, or send messages to staff. Citibot can be found at the bottom-right corner of williamsburgva.gov.